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calderaevents ([personal profile] calderaevents) wrote in [community profile] calderamemes2024-11-29 12:00 am
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TDM #4



ARRIVAL

It happens in an instant. A heavy weight in your gut, a trembling of your limbs, the world spins and you barely have time to register that you're falling before you lose consciousness. And when you awaken, it's not where you were last. Dark, unadorned oak walls surround you in a tiny room, the only furniture the bed you are currently resting upon, and the bedside table with a folded piece of parchment resting atop it that simply reads:

“The Tavernkeeper is awaiting your arrival downstairs.”

As you exit you find others like yourself emerging from the surrounding rooms. You are indeed in a tavern, but there is no hustle and bustle one might think to hear in such a place. The only person down on the main floor is a humanoid figure wiping down the bar, who smiles when they see you. They're familiar, but not, and you can't quite place their face. For some reason, however, their presence is comforting and warm.

“Welcome, Visitor. I'm sure you have a lot of questions.

And you most certainly do.

Due to popular demand, the starter tavern and the drinks provided are available to in game characters via a portal accessible only to those with a faction gem.

DRINK MENU
WINTER'S WHISPER A fragrant spiced tea that calms the nerves and inspires the drinker to share their hopes and dreams.

JINGLE BELL A crisp, bright drink...that makes jingling bell sounds as you walk. There are no bells, and yet you jingle.

S(LAY) RIDE This drink has an earthy, woody taste. Almost as woody as the tavern floor it forces you to lie down upon. You cannot get up unless someone else helps you.

MISTLETOE MEAD Made with honey from enchanted bee hives and a touch of mistletoe leaves. Time to find a smoochin' partner!

HOLLY JOLLY SPICE A bold and fiery blend of rum, cinnamon, and cloves with a secret twist—just a dash of enchanted holly berry syrup that makes your cheeks flush with warmth and your laughter contagious. One sip, and you're the life of the party, even if you're by yourself.

CANDY CANE CRUSH A festive burst of minty sweetness with a cool, refreshing sensation that tingles the tongue. The drinker’s mood subtly shifts the color of their surroundings, briefly changing the hues of objects or lights in the room to match their feelings.

GINGERBREAD MAN A thick drink that tastes exactly like a gingerbread cookie. However, candy and other delicious accents start appearing on you as if YOU were the cookie. Is that icing on your nose? Candied cherries in your hair? Gumdrop buttons? But on the bright side, free candy!

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY

As the effects of your drink wear off, the Tavernkeeper speaks once more:

”It is time, my friends, for you to find your new homes.”


You are compelled to walk through the only door leading out of the tavern, finding yourself not outside, but in a deep black, seemingly endless room with five portals arranged in a circle. As the last of you leave and the door closes behind you, gone when you look back again and replaced with nothing but that black void, three of the portals illuminate:

The first portal is surrounded by an almost blinding light, prismatic rainbows shining brightly in the dewy air outside of the tavern. A soft breeze may gently caress you, pulling you toward it. The portal seems to lead to a city in the clouds, airships and winged beings of all sorts soaring through the skies. Of the little bits of visible land, much of it boasts giant waterfalls that look like clouds melting into the land below. The portal calls to those who crave independence and freedom; and especially to anyone that wishes to find the strong bond of a family not forged in blood.

The second portal is encircled by a fairy ring of spotted white capped mushrooms, the faint scent of damp stone and rich earth wafting from within the faint green glow. Peering inside, one can see a sprawling harbor city of gray hewn stone, a melting pot of humanoid beings going about their day, and beyond, rolling green farmland and cottages clustered in small villages. This portal is destined for those who crave stability and solid ground beneath their feet. A simple life, an adventurous one, and everything in between can be found within.

The last portal is adorned with shells and seaweed, the glow of blue around it catching on droplets cascading down the circular opening. Beyond it you see a city housed inside a massive bubble deep under the ocean, spiraling towers encrusted with coral, and a variety of different creatures mingling about the streets. Outside of that bubble, merfolk swim, a massive squid engulfs the view from the portal as it smoothly glides through the water, and schools of fish disperse as it passes. A sanctuary in the sea that calls to those with a hunger for knowledge and a desire to aid those in need. Or perhaps it is the mystery that beckons you - the lure of the unknown in the depths that bids you explore it.
Upon following the pull of the breeze through the first portal, you are thrust into the beauty of a lively city that goes by the name of Heaven's Bow. Much of this main city feels exactly as you would expect on a city below, but there are clouds surrounding every direction you look. The walls of buildings are made with light-colored limestone, and buildings are generally built up to heights made even more grandiose by their position in the sky.

The Skyfall Docks are the first thing you notice, boasting hundreds of airships sailing in and out across the clouds with shouts that accompany a typical port city. Just outside is a fantastic market with goods not only from the other regions of Caldera, but from what some shopkeepers claim are other worlds--items sold or left behind by Visitors. Almost anything can be found in the markets if one is willing to look hard enough. Transport to other locations throughout the sky and even to the land or sea can be found here.

If the docks are too lively for you, you may instead find yourself roaming the underbelly of Heaven's Bow and finding brothels and gambling parlors filled with the promise of pleasure and fortune. The guild house for the Sylphs can be found here as well, giving out quests and training to prospective adventurers and guards alike--though none of them seem concerned with the illicit activities that surround them. Perhaps the freedom the Sylphs boast of extends to what others may deem an undesirable activity.

But most curious of all, you find a shimmering opal gemstone in your hand. When placed anywhere on the body, it will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.


If it was the second portal that called to you, you will find yourself in the busy city of Grey Ward, with its cobblestone streets and sturdy grey stone buildings. You are in the heart of the city, the Glass Market, so named for the colorful stained glass windows of the surrounding buildings. The scent of cooking food and the sound of barkers fills the air; watchful guards keep an eye out for pickpockets and thieves, and citizens go about their day. From here, one can investigate the rest of the city: the Sundown Docks, where both sea and sky faring skips transport people and goods. The Soot Spire, home of inventors and engineers. The Hearthstill, the main residential area. The Downs, a smaller residential area for those with less means.

Outside the city walls, one can explore acres of farmlands to the east and west, or follow Terra’s Pass to the less settled areas, but take care. Past the Skyward Range, out in the smaller burrows and villages, the influence of the city guard diminishes quickly, and you’ll have to keep your wits about you. Bandits along the road are always a risk, and the wildlife are less controlled by regimented hunting.

In your hand is a gemstone, a brilliantly green emerald that, when placed anywhere on the body, will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.



If the last portal beckoned you through it, you find yourself within that bubble covered city beneath the sea, the city of Salt Spire. Your ears pop with the change in pressure, and the smell of the salty sea fills your nostrils. All around you buildings made of dark stone encrusted with coral and seagrass tower high above your head, the backdrop outside the dome a deep blue, seemingly endless sea filled with fish and merfolk and all other manner of creature swimming through the water. You stand in the heart of it all, surrounded by people with gils on their necks and scales upon their vibrantly colored skin, all of whom seem intrigued by your arrival. You have many options of where to visit in the city under the sea, but where oh where will you go first?

The Salt Spire Library is right before you, an impossibly large building housing thousands upon thousands of books of all genres. Fiction, non-fiction, romance and mystery and all between. You may even find books from your world and others! Oddly enough though, no Calderan history books are to be found, and if you ask for them, the librarians and locals all choose to ignore your questions.

If scholarly pursuits aren't to your interest currently, perhaps a trip to Bluetide Market would be more your style? The marketplace is host to every manner of shop one might ever need: artisans of all varieties, apothecaries and healers in the Shimmer Quarter, the most in fashion undersea clothing shops, food stalls, and all between can be found in Bluetide. There are also the Tideshore and Fogbottom docks on either end of the city. The former allows transport to the surface via large, magical bubbles for those that cannot hold their breath or make the swim themselves yet. The latter allows people to venture further into the sea. Those without their underwater abilities are offered rebreathers for travel that last for four hours before needing to be replaced.

In your hand is a gemstone, a shining sapphire that, when placed anywhere on the body, will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.



Visitors in all starter cities are offered a standard home with basic necessities provided (your choice in design, etc.) that can house 1-4 people if they so choose. Home upgrades can be purchased via rewards.

FANNING THE FLAMES
The renewed seething of the lava flows brought on by the tempestuous events deep below the sea seem to have been dealt with, though city guards have been stationed around the crater and are barring anyone from approaching to investigate any further than the outskirts. Interestingly, not only does the crater seem calm, it appears to be changing. Any remaining lava flow is being directed as if by unseen hands, and when the light catches just right, the barest hint of a shimmer can be detected surrounding the glowing rivers. New rock formations take shape as the days pass, though one never can catch the presence of a mason working on the structures. It's as if something intangible or invisible is repairing what was broken, turning what was previously chaos and ruin into order and life.
SEASON OF LIGHT
The world remains unsettled, still bearing the scars of the trials endured just a month prior, not to mention the oddities happening with the volcanic crater and the ominous shadows creeping in from the sea continue to haunt the collective psyche, leaving both locals and visitors on constant edge, fearful of a sudden, unprovoked assault. Despite these lingering anxieties, the leaders have publicly reassured all that calm has been restored. They claim that the worst is behind them and that every measure is being taken to prevent such devastating magics from ever threatening Salt Spire again. The protective bubble holds, new Undine are being ushered into their roles, and the world, it is said, is slowly healing. Or so they claim.

Whether or not the assurances of the leaders ring entirely true, life, as it often does, presses on. The people of Caldera have once again immersed themselves in the comforting bustle of distraction, turning their attention to the imminent Season of Lights celebrations. This holiday, it seems, bears a striking resemblance to the festive cheer of Christmas (and a mix of new years), with gifts exchanged in abundance and decorations of shimmering silver and radiant blue casting their glow across the sky, sea, and land in harmonious splendor.

One of the seasons's highlights is the grand Feast of the Sky, a night when the people gather beneath a star-filled canopy to exchange gifts—ornate trinkets, hand-crafted items, and tokens of affection that carry deep personal meaning. In the days leading up to the feast, a tradition of "Lightwalking" emerges, where families and friends embark on midnight strolls through streets aglow with lanterns, singing carols and sharing stories of hope and renewal. Sea-going vessels, too, partake in the festivities, their sails and riggings festooned with glowing orbs that drift like stars across the waters.

The Season of Lights is, above all, a celebration of resilience, a time when the people of Caldera set aside their worries, if only for a little while, to bask in the glow of community, generosity, and the promise of brighter days ahead thanks to the Visitor's arrival...
THE GRAND MASQUERADE
Another highlight of the season is the Grand Masquerade that unfolds high above the world in Heaven’s Bow, the floating city where the wind dances in the sky and the stars seem close enough to touch. The event is more than just a celebration of the Season of Lights—it’s a gathering of hope, a last-ditch effort to save Caldera from its slow unraveling. Here, among the clouds and the wind, the people of Caldera and the mysterious Visitors from other worlds come together in a shimmering, ethereal celebration, their faces hidden behind elaborate masks and appropriately fancy dress provided when one steps through the threshold of the castle gates.

The palace at the heart of Heaven’s Bow is a breathtaking sight, its walls adorned with silver and blue decorations that catch the light from thousands of lanterns floating in mid-air. The atmosphere is both jubilant and tense, a world on the brink of collapse holding its breath in the hopes that this fleeting night will offer a glimmer of salvation. The sky above is painted with the colors of dusk and dawn, swirling in a palette of purples, blues, and silvers.

Sylphs—the free-spirited, airborn people of the Sky—flutter about, their wings glinting in the light, performing acrobatic feats in the air, their laughter and music mingling with the sounds of the celebration. Guests, their masks intricate and stunning, move among the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and stories, some joining in the dances while others linger near the grand tables, laden with food and drink from every corner of Caldera and beyond.

As the night unfolds, the guests find themselves drawn into different corners of the event—each space offering the Visitors a chance to prove themselves worthy of the leaders’ favor. There is no shortage of opportunities to learn, grow, and, perhaps, change the course of this dying world.
THE SKY'S ASCENSION



At one end of the palace's terrace, a floating platform hovers above the clouds, surrounded by shifting air currents. Sylphs glide effortlessly through the space, their wings leaving trails of light as they move to the lively music, which seems written by the wind itself.

Aella, Admiral of the Slyph, stands at the center of the platform, her cloak of shimmering feathers rippling in the breeze. She surveys the crowd, inviting those brave enough to take part in her challenge. Before them, a maze of floating platforms stretches out, some wide and stable, others narrow and swaying in the wind. The task is simple: leap from one platform to the next, navigating the shifting air and ever-changing obstacles.

The platforms move unpredictably, some rising higher, others sinking, and a few disappearing entirely. Guests must time their jumps perfectly, balancing agility with timing as they avoid falling into the clouds below.

Those who succeed will earn Aella’s favor (in the form of 100 Bones and a single white feather). And those who falter will simply reappear the start of the challenge to begin anew or give up with no repercussions for the latter save perhaps a bit of embarrassment.
THE SEA'S SECRETS
On the other side of the terrace, a serene water garden unfolds, its shimmering pools reflecting the stars above. Water flows in delicate, endless cascades, filling the air with a soft, soothing melody that mingles with the distant sound of waves. The Undines, graceful and serene beings of the Sea, glide effortlessly through the space, their robes flowing like gentle currents, their movements as fluid as the water itself.

Cordelia, Queen of the Sea, stands quietly on a raised platform at the edge of the garden, her presence calm and powerful. Her eyes, deep and unfathomable, seem to reflect the vastness of the ocean, and though she watches the guests, she does not engage with them. Her stillness holds an air of mystery, as if she is both present and yet unreachable.

The Undines move silently through the garden, offering peaceful company to those who wander nearby. The garden is a place of contemplation, where guests can simply pause and connect with the tranquil beauty of the water—its soothing flow, its quiet depths, and its promise of renewal. There are no tests or challenges here, only the peace of the Sea to calm the mind and soul.

Those who linger may feel the weight of ancient knowledge in the air, a silent understanding of the oceans' mysteries and the healing power of water. In this place, the answers are not spoken, but felt—a quiet reminder that some of the world’s deepest truths are best discovered in moments of stillness.

As the evening fades, those who have found solace in the garden’s stillness will discover, tucked gently in their palm, a lustrous pearl. Unlike any found on the shores, this pearl is soft and warm, its surface shimmering with an inner light. It is a symbol of the wisdom that comes from quiet reflection—the knowledge that some things, like the depth of the sea, cannot be rushed.
THE LAND'S EMBRACE



In the heart of the palace gardens, beneath a canopy of flowering trees, the Dryads drift gracefully among the guests, their earthy skin glowing with life and their eyes bright with the vitality of nature. The air is thick with the scent of blooming roses and jasmine, while the ground beneath the guests' feet pulses with a quiet energy, inviting them to pause and feel the garden’s magic.

Terra, the Lady of the Land, stands at the center, her form adorned in living vines and blossoms, moving as if the garden itself flows through her. Her presence is both nurturing and fierce, a silent invitation to those seeking connection—to the land, to love, and to one another.

Guests are drawn to the tranquil beauty of the garden, stealing soft moments with their partners among the flowers. Lovers exchange quiet glances, touch petals with gentle fingers, and share unspoken promises beneath the soft glow of lanterns. The garden hums with romance, as if the earth itself is blessing these tender moments, offering the quiet assurance that love—like the land—can grow in the most unexpected places.

As the night draws to a close, Terra’s gentle power is felt in the air, and for those who have taken the time to connect with the garden’s beauty, a soft gift of nature is bestowed. A flower—unique and radiant—appears in their hand, a token of love and growth, a reminder that even the briefest moments can take root and blossom into something everlasting.
QUESTBOARD [NEW QUESTS ADDED]

Settled in? Good. It's time to make your way to the Questboard located in every city in numerous, easy to access locations. That is, if you want to make any kind of impact on the world or just get some Bones for anything you might wish to purchase. Visitors are given a very small stipend in which to survive every month, but all it does is keep you fed and housed. These quests will assure you greater wealth, and they're the main reason you're here: each finished quest helps the Calderans fix their shattering world.

Quests can be accepted at the questboard via magically signed parchment upon the board. Just sign your name to accept and the paper will be whisked away... somewhere. You're not actually sure. Probably nothing to concern yourself with.

Once quests are completed, earned Bones will be dropped off at the character's residence by Bonita, the mysterious artisan who has supposedly handcrafted every Bone circulating in Caldera. Please do not speak to her, she startles easily.
OOC NOTES
Welcome to Caldera's fourth TDM! All characters awaken in a strange tavern with nothing save the clothes on their backs, all of their powers stripped, and a piece of parchment directing them downstairs to the Tavernkeeper. There is a thread of all questions answered by the Tavernkeeper here, and if you have more, feel free to ask there for what would be offered ICly.

For OOC questions, please direct themhere.

All locations are available to be explored!

The TDM is game canon and all completed quests can be carried over once accepted into the game.

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resealable: (029)

[personal profile] resealable 2024-12-04 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
[Deva is a capable liar actress, but there is no faking the way relief washes over her at his admission that he is a shapeshifter, that he isn't human. That immediately feels safer, and some of the tense line to her shoulders eases. She smiles at him, at the concern, a small and tentative flicker of gratitude. Whoever this man is, he's making a good impression.]

I am too. A selkie. But I can't change. I have my pelt, but I'm trapped in this shape.

[This was as much her form as her seal shape, but missing one of the two felt like something had been carved out of her. It was a theft, a violation.]

So I work for them to earn the privilege of reclaiming what they stole from me.

[She's angry, clearly, though given that her magic also seems to have been stripped away, it's an impotent anger. Once upon a time she would have been more sympathetic to the plight of this place, but she's a wounded thing, and those wounds have done damage to the mercy in her.]
inspiteof: (14)

[personal profile] inspiteof 2024-12-04 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
If Lucanis hadn't blurted out what he did earlier, perhaps all of this could have been avoided. Alas. They were here now and she deserved to know the answers, even if he didn't want to be the one revealing them and potentially saddening her.

"Ah." At least that was a... place to start. "Held hostage in her own home, as it were. Illario did a poor job covering his tracks." Which was wholly unsurprising to anyone that knew his cousin. Lucanis went on to detail the gathering Illario had orchestrated, the promise of power as First Talon and the new allies he brought in the Venatori. The fight, the aftermath, the eventual decision to show his stupid cousin mercy at Rook's behest, and— "Caterina made me First Talon, to my surprise."
internationalrelations: (078)

[personal profile] internationalrelations 2024-12-04 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
They'd figure themselves out back home too, Alex was sure, even if he imagined it would be more complicated. After all, back home they were separated by an ocean, by nationality, by the weight of a crown and the pressure of a spotlight. Here, the world was more complicated, but they got to be simpler.

Alex would not have complained if he had been shoved up against the nearest tree, but he would admit that there would be some drawbacks to being out in the midst of a public gathering. For one thing, there were likely to be interruptions, and he didn't really need anyone else seeing the things he wanted to do of Henry.

With a soft hum, he captured those lips instead of answering straight away, lingering in the kiss before remembering he ought to answer. "Anything, baby. What is it?"
internationalrelations: (064)

[personal profile] internationalrelations 2024-12-04 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
It's very you, in fairness. And kind of endearing.

[Henry with his quiet logic and methodical dedication. They were good counterbalances to each other, not opposites, not exactly. But they were contrasting parts of the same greater whole, perhaps, fitting into each other's edges and completing the bigger picture between them.

He nodded.]


That's a solid plan. I think you're probably right. Eggs need to be kept warm and incubated. We can make sure it has a safe, cozy nest.
fundamentalchaos: (23)

[personal profile] fundamentalchaos 2024-12-04 05:09 am (UTC)(link)
Ashton had heard before from others that touching him sort of felt like touching a sun warmed rock, which was actually kind of interesting to hear. It was nicer than hearing he was cold as stone or something.

"Yeah, I think it's just that...a firm pressure I can be ready for and the pressure reaches deeper which....doesn't hurt as much?" Deep pressure touching was weirdly comforting. No they aren't touch starved what are you talking about. "It's kinda grounding."

Heh, grounding. Grounding for an earth genasi.

"The crystals?" They sort of lean their head into Barcus' touch. "Nah, the lines around the glass do a bit but not the 'hair'."
spellblade: (a greater woman has faith)

[personal profile] spellblade 2024-12-04 05:47 am (UTC)(link)
It was a suspenseful and dramatic story, to the point where Rook almost forgot she was even apart of it at all. She'd devoured half her stew by the time he was done, and gasped softly at the ending. "What, she...retired? Just like that?" Wow. Tough old bird, his grandmother, and full of surprises. "I'm glad you gave Illario another chance. I know he made...a lot of really terrible choices, but. He's your family. You love him. It would've hurt you to lock him up and toss the keys."

Nudging her bowl aside, she wrapped a hand around her tankard and rested her chin on a cupped palm. "So. First Talon. How do you feel about that?"
voiceoftempest: (pic#17557252)

Keyleth of the Air Ashari | The Legend of Vox Machina/Critical Role | Dryad (Voice testing, gentle!)

[personal profile] voiceoftempest 2024-12-04 09:27 am (UTC)(link)
ꪖ᥅᥅꠸ꪜꪖꪶ

Keyleth awakens with a start, chest heaving as she takes in gulps of air; breathing hard. The last thing she remembers was walking with Vax then the sudden gut pitch hit, the shaking, and falling, and everything went black.

"Vax?" She calls out before spying the paper.

"The tavernkeeper? Oh, maybe Vax is down there too?"

This is enough to get her up and moving and she scales the stairs quickly, arriving at the tavern and scanning her surroundings. She spots the tavernkeeper, but not Vax. The druid sighs as she tries to work up the nerve to go talk to this tavernkeeper.

ꪻꫝꫀ ᧁ᥅ꪖꪀᦔ ꪑꪖᦓꪇꪊꫀ᥅ꪖᦔꫀ

Dressed in something of flowing green and a flowery mask, Keyleth enters the ball. She clutches at one arm with a hand as she moves to stand against the wall and sighs.

"It's not as much fun without them..."

ꪇꪊꫀᦓꪻ᥇ꪮꪖ᥅ᦔ

Quests interested in:
The Children Yearn for the Mines
You'll Never Leave Hardersfield Alive
It Belongs in a Museus
Or Does it?
Horrors Unseen

Good Vibes Only
Phero-Moan
The Thrill of the Chase

Bone?!
Into the Mirrorverse
Baby It's Cold Outside
Scarecrow is Carecrow

[[ooc: If you want a quest with Keyleth, hit me up on plurk: [plurk.com profile] silvergrimalkin or discord: snowdasies. Also open to other prompts as well, it's just late so I couldn't think of starters haha]]
holdshisown: (pic#17428077)

[personal profile] holdshisown 2024-12-04 09:51 am (UTC)(link)
The urge to do so will likely not set in until a bit more time has passed, though Maedhros does certainly approve that his fellow guard already seem to know the proper posture to keep while standing guard. "A good pair of boots is always a smart investment, whether one plans to do this kind of work often or not." He says with a slight chuckle. So it's good advise in general as well.

"Since the end of summer, give or take a week or so. Not all that long at all, at least the way my own people count it." The encouraging smile he gives the young man shows he's not offended in the slightest by the question. "I am indeed an elf. There seems to be more than a few of us in this place, though I am the only one from my own world that's ended up here as of yet."

"I am Maedhros, by the way." He introduces himself with a slight bow of his head.

It's probably good he can't remember those things. Maedhros might just have some sort of breakdown if he were to learn people read about his life as a form of entertainment in another world.
holdshisown: (Default)

[personal profile] holdshisown 2024-12-04 09:57 am (UTC)(link)
"Ah. Feeling useless can be a hard thing to come to terms with. Though often enough feeling useless is not the same as being useless and I severly doubt that you are not of much use here, my lady." There is sympathy in his voice but a distinct lack of pity if one was familiar with the particular distinctions between those things. "Not long at all... or at least not the way I see it. Just since the end of summer... so a couple of months at most. Barely any time at all."

But he's well aware humans might see it differently.
holdshisown: (pic#17428077)

[personal profile] holdshisown 2024-12-04 10:35 am (UTC)(link)
That's ok. His family is full of wierd people so it's not like he's entirely unused to eccentric personalities.

Even if he were to write his real name it would not get any sort of reaction to it from Maedhros. Since he's from an entirely different world and has no idea who he is. And, honestly, compared to the evils of his own world he'd find Lucifer to be entirely... underwhelming in that regard. To the point where he'd probably think it was a joke that just went over his head.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lulu. I am Maedhros." He says and gives the man a slight bow of his head out of politness.
lordfuckleroy: made by  <user name=inkonic> (pic#16640961)

[personal profile] lordfuckleroy 2024-12-04 01:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Simplicity was so nice, right now Henry felt every inch merely Henry Fox, just a regular guy who was going about life; yes it was eventful but he could be who he was-- he could allow a part of himself to breath that he did not have the luxury of. He could kiss this man in public, he could go to the market and purchase veggies without much incident or anyone recognizing him.

Also no tabloids, anywhere and oh wasn't that a blessing in and of itself?

Right now though he rather wanted to kiss this man senseless, but he also wanted to do it in private. Just because there was no media presence around did not mean that he wasn't still wary of being watched. "I have not seen your place yet, and I'm finding that I want to very much-- I'm actually riveted by the thought."
lordfuckleroy: ij @ saveface (pic#17552891)

[personal profile] lordfuckleroy 2024-12-04 01:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Congratulations Henry and Alex, you both get to take an egg home to care for it. And instead of a small child hatching from it, one who could spend their entire teenage years resenting and rebelling against them-- they got a dragon who could suddenly decide they were crunchy and taste good with ketchup, if it's parents suddenly decided that a good grounding was necessary. ]]

We should probably decide on a name.. and I happen to have a few suggestions.

[ Oh no, poor dragon might potentially end up with a name like Elizabeth or Timothy. ]

troubadamsel: (You Can Do It!)

[personal profile] troubadamsel 2024-12-04 01:18 pm (UTC)(link)
My name is Maribelle. I've been here for over a month, I believe... at times, it can be difficult to keep track of the days, especially when you spend a majority of them underwater.

... Which sounds rather odd, now that I finally said it out loud.
inspiteof: (FpMPVWTG_o)

[personal profile] inspiteof 2024-12-04 01:23 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's Caterina." He said with a soft laugh. "I'm sure she will be just as active as ever."

Lucanis's gaze fell to his mug. Rook was right, of course, Illario was family, one of the only close family he had anymore, and though he was irritating and stupid with some of the choices he made, he did love him. It was part of why he struggled to make a decision initially and asked for Rook's advice — she knew him well enough by now to know deep down what he needed to do.

He looked up again. "I'm not sure." He admitted. "I will do what I must for my family and the Crows, of course, but that is not something I am thinking about at the moment."
closeyourfist: (clever)

[personal profile] closeyourfist 2024-12-04 01:46 pm (UTC)(link)
"Certainly not accustomed to full costume changes at the door, but it is handy, I suppose. It's not as though they brought us here with full wardrobes."

Half a second to measure the gesture for what it is; different traditions in different places, so a moment to read body language and make certain a handshake is being initiated. Then it is accepted firmly. A strong (by human standards) but easy grip, the warmth of his palm occasionally interrupted by the bands of steel that are his ring splints.

The smile there beneath the edges of his mask is warm but discerning.

"Enver Gortash. A pleasure to meet you, Loki."
closeyourfist: (what do you want me to say?)

[personal profile] closeyourfist 2024-12-04 02:04 pm (UTC)(link)
"Then I have more to compliment than just good taste."

He understands the frustration in finding well made pens, especially for drafting. Not really something he had to spend as much time worrying about in those last years, you climb high enough and it is assumed that your tastes are particular and catered to more specifically. But there was a time when his name was only as good as what he could produce, and it was an edifice that could easily crumble with as simple a mistake as not being meticulous.

He never made his own instruments, anymore. And because it wasn't his field he never perfected the art before he could afford to no longer need to.

"You might have a second occupation on your hands if you are after extra bones; they don't make anything like this here." Which. He's getting ahead of himself. "Thank you."
lettersfrombel: (flirty)

[personal profile] lettersfrombel 2024-12-04 03:11 pm (UTC)(link)
"Thank you," Bel said. "And even if yours don't match, they do look striking together. And I take it you are not the sort to feel cold easily."

Bel has been though a handful of winters on the surface and is still dubious about them. How the Hells Drizzt Do'Urden spent so much time up in Icewind Dale is beyond Bel.
lonelysmiles: What's your counteroffer? (This Should Be Good)

[personal profile] lonelysmiles 2024-12-04 03:12 pm (UTC)(link)
"Plenty but I find it's counterproductive to throw the same type of joke multiple times in a row at someone. It's like torture: strike the same place over and over in too close of a timeframe, the old pain dulls the new." He raised an amused eyebrow. "But you're likely already aware of that what with being the King of Hell!"
thesunreturns: (Default)

[personal profile] thesunreturns 2024-12-04 03:14 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well, I'd recently moved, so I'd just seen the same traditions adopted in a new place. I like the bonfires, but I'm not sure it would be wise to do so underwater." The Undersea back home had its own variation, but it was not one Simon could replicate.
lonelysmiles: (Oh shi-!)

OOPS! All Dragons! Aka "Alastor Proving He's Not a Total Monster, That Jerk"

[personal profile] lonelysmiles 2024-12-04 03:16 pm (UTC)(link)
Apparently, Maribelle wasn't the only person who'd decided to investigate this particular quest. However, the plight of the mother dragon had all eyes on her and unlikely to notice who else had shown up.

As people went to collect eggs, Maribelle and Alastor would unintentionally pick eggs right next to one another.

Well. This was awkward.

"...Good afternoon, my dear!"
thesunreturns: (Default)

2

[personal profile] thesunreturns 2024-12-04 03:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Selkies exist in Simon's world. So, a woman with webbed fingers and dark eyes holding a sealskin and wading into the sea is immediately recognizable. Oak and ash, he hadn't thought about how this sort of loss would affect those who had multiple forms; Simon felt bad enough without his magic, but he had least had memories of learning most of it.

Simon cleared his throat, so she would know he was present. "I'm starting to wonder if it is some intrinsic part of how we are brought here. Of course, if it were, they could tell us." They might not be believed, but it was better than no explanations.
lost_and_foundry: (smile)

[personal profile] lost_and_foundry 2024-12-04 04:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Given he's already made a fool of himself with innuendo both intentional and un-, Barcus opts not to question deep pressure. Instead, he commits it to memory and makes a faint humming noise of acknowledgment. He can't help but recall part of the pitch of him sitting on Ashton's shoulder was so they could cross the room without getting lost in the crowd, and now they're just...standing here, enjoying touching one another? Which already makes for a nicer evening than he anticipated.

The lean feels like a hint, and so he gamely runs his fingers over the crystals, in the clefts between the points. "They look like amethyst, only with less pleochroism. Hmh. Amethysts usually form around volcanoes or hydrothermal vents. Maybe that says something about your hot temper, you think?" Teasing. He hasn't really seen evidence of Ashton's temper as of yet, except for the references to punching.
helluvaboss: (Pleased as punch)

[personal profile] helluvaboss 2024-12-04 05:09 pm (UTC)(link)
"Flying would make it easier, but eh! Getting a little crafty gets ya plenty far," Blitzø agreed with a nod. "There's ships that go out that-a-way and once we get to the island itself, we can hoof it. Maybe steal a life boat glider thing if they're taking too long."
priceonmysoul: ([emote] leather jacket)

Lance Dulac | OC | Undine

[personal profile] priceonmysoul 2024-12-04 05:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Arrival/Tavern

…well fuck.

A rare breed among new arrivals, the blonde man in the tavern as broad as he is tall could easily be a native. His long hair and thicker beard are borderline fashionable in the setting, but there’s…something about him, beyond the fact that you don’t find the natives in this tavern.

Those from a modern world will see it in posture and mannerisms—the tip of the head in the familiar ‘tech neck’ posture, fidgeting with a candy cane like a pen…wait, what?

That’s right: Lance Dulac ordered the Gingerbread Man, with a heavy suspicion as to what he’s getting into, and is enjoying his drink and the bonus sweets utterly unfazed.

Join him! And please, do help yourself to the candy canes and gumdrops he’s harvesting off his clothing—he promises, anything that comes off a body part isn’t in the pile on the corner of his table.

Masquerade

In his suit and mask, Lance looks dashing, and also impossibly comfortable. It’s to the point that, as he moves about the celebration, his hand keeps drifting to his hip and faltering, as if reaching for the sword that ought to be there.

He misses his fucking sword. A lot.

No matter. It’s a great party—little tame by faerie standards, but only if you’re Seelie or Unseelie. In the Court of Man, they would have an enchanted band that would take requests. He’d spend the whole night challenging Mum by making them play classic rock…

A song begins to play—and it’s not “All Along The Watchtower,” but it’s upbeat. It’ll do.

He glances at the closest person nearby, regardless of gender, and smiles as he turns and offers his hand with a perfectly courtly bow—at total odds with his muted East Coast accent.

“You wanna dance?”

Wildcard

Choose your own Lance! Quests welcome, for NSFW Lance is straight. :p
theydrewfirstblood: (grin{ happy)

[personal profile] theydrewfirstblood 2024-12-04 07:18 pm (UTC)(link)
John turns at the voice, and takes a second before he melts into a broad smile under his mask.

Maedhros--the big, stupidly gorgeous guy who just sat with him his first day with that stupid drink. He has an unabashedly soft spot for the guy, so he visibly relaxes as he moves closer to him.

"More ways than one." he admits, offering his hand to shake. "Went home for--well, a few days by my reckoning, looks like I was missing here a couple weeks at least. It's good to see you, man."